Before Christmas, Siobhan Jackson our Principal Geo-environmental Scientist attended a day of Radon Detection and Treatment training and certification organised by the Radon Council. There were excellent presentations delivered by Gavin Gillmore, John Naylor (GGS), Peter Atchison (PAGeo), Michael Hancock (Glencoe Radon Gas Centre) and John Sparks (Geoshield).
Siobhan noted that the training served as a useful refresher on some wider points, but also provided some interesting details including the range of possible retrospective measures which can be fitted in existing buildings, which were demonstrated via some case study examples.
Siobhan was even happier to receive her certificate from the Radon Council informing her that she has successfully completed the examination.
GRM regularly help landowners and developers with their initial assessment and subsequent independent verification of radon protective measures including radon membranes.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in the soil and rocks beneath us. It can migrate upwards through the ground and enter buildings through various pathways including small cracks in the floor, walls and foundations. Radon is colourless, odourless and tasteless, so it can only be detected using specialised equipment.
Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide, after smoking. In the UK an estimated 1,100 lung cancer deaths each year are attributed to exposure to this gas.
As well as new land development projects, there may also be sites still under development for which the radon assessment was undertaken prior to December 2022 (when the most recent updates to mapping occurred). As such, it is important that an updated risk assessment is undertaken to confirm the radon protective measures detailed are suitably protective.
Further information on radon gas awareness and our services to support landowners and developers can be found via the following links:
Radon Awareness Week is a Reminder to Landowners and Developers of their Responsibilities
Gas Membrane Testing, Inspection and Verification
If you have any development or construction projects that may be impacted by radon gas, or you require more information on testing and mitigation measures, then please get in touch to find out how our team of experts can help. Please use your main point of contact at GRM or for new enquiries email richard.upton@grm-uk.com or call 01283 551249.